eCureMe logo
  eCureMe home eCureMe log In Sign Up!
eCureMe Life : Your Healthy Living. Click Here!
Welcome, eCureMe.com medical contents search October 25, 2013
       eCureMe Life
       Medical Supplies
       Calorie Count
       Self-Diagnosis
       Physician Search
       Message Board
      E-mail Doctor
      E-mail Veterinarian
      Self-Diagnosis
      Health-O-Matic Meter
      Calorie Count
      Natural Medicine
      Vitamins & Minerals
      Alternative Living
      My Health Chart
      Diseases & Treatments
      Atlas of Diseases
      Sexually Transmitted
      Diseases
      Drug Information
      Illegal Drugs
      Lab & Diagnostic Tests
      Internal Medicine
      Women’s Health
      Pediatrics
      Eye Disorders
      Skin Disorders
      Headache
      Mental Health
      Radiology
      Neurology
      Allergy
      Resource Links
      Physician Directory
      Dentist Directory
      Hospital Directory





Bacterial Conjunctivitis

more about Bacterial Conjunctivitis


Pink eye, red eye, and infective conjunctivitis

  • The conjunctivum is the membrane that lines the eyelids and the Sclera (white of the eye).  Infection or irritation of the conjunctiva and the inflammation (redness, irritation, swelling) that results is termed Conjunctivitis.

  • Eyes are red or pink.
  • Eyelids stick together especially in the morning.
  • Eyes Itch.
  • Excess tearing.
  • White-yellow or cream color thick sticky discharge (usually in bacterial infections).
  • Watery discharge (Allergic or Viral).
  • Pain may be present.
  • Bacterial symptoms often in one eye.
  • Virus infections and allergies often affect both eyes.
  • Bleeding or hemorrhage can be seen as rupture of tiny blood vessels.
  • Viruses such as Herpes can cause tiny ulcers (shallow open sores).
  • Swelling of conjunctiva can occur.
  • Sensitivity to light.


  • History
    1. Symptoms
    2. Do others have similar symptoms?
    3. Illnesses
    4. Job
    5. Medication
    6. Chemical exposure
    7. Family history
    8. Allergies
    9. Travel
  • Exam
    1. Direct examination of the eye with an Ophthalmascope, an instrument with a light that allows the doctor to check the inside of the eye.
    2. Vision exam -- using an eye chart
    3. Eye discharge may be collected and sent for a culture
    4. Cultures that identify the type of infection and bacteria usually take about 48-72 hours to grow.
    5. Viral cultures take longer
    6. The doctor can stain the crusty eye discharge with a special dye and look at it under a microscope (Gram stain or Giemsa stain), but this is a rare treatment these days.
    7. Special stains and slides can be prepared from the discharge to look for specific infections such as the Papanicolaou test for Herpes Simplex.
    8. Staining the eye with Fluorescein dye will show cuts and ulcers under an ultraviolet lamp.
    9. Blood tests can also be done for specific causes

  • See causes.
  • During delivery if mother has Neisseria gonorrhea or chlamydia the baby's eyes may become infected.
  • Trauma.
  • Schools or institutions where others have conjunctivitis.
  • Poor hygiene and frequent touching eyes.

  • If ulcers or damage has occurred, the patient is referred to an eye specialist (Ophthalmologist)
  • Warm (NOT HOT) water can be used to wash the debris. Cold water may help with irritants, chemicals and allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Remove contacts
  • Treatment of bacterial infections include:
    1. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments that are given for 5-7 days
    2. Gentamicin, Tobramycin and Erythromycin ophthalmic preparations are often put in every 4 hours.
    3. Antibiotic pills are rarely necessary, but Doxycycline, taken orally for 3 weeks, is effective against chlamydia.
    4. Viral infections without ulcerations are usually resolved without treatment
    5. Antiviral eye drops and pills such as Acyclovir are effective therapies for Herpes
  • Allergic reactions:
    1. Allergy medicines
    2. Avoid the causative agent
    3. Oral and antihistamine eye drops

  • Contact your doctor for an eye exam.  If the chemicals have gotten into your eye, wash them immediately with cold water and get to the emergency room.  Do not delay treatment!





more about Bacterial Conjunctivitis


If you want your friend to read or know about this article, Click here






medical contents search

Home   |   About Us   |   Contact Us   |   Employment Ad   |   Help

Terms and Conditions under which this service is provided to you. Read our Privacy Policy.
Copyright © 2002 - 2003 eCureMe, Inc All right reserved.